Differences Between Web 2 & Web 3: A Comparative Analysis

7 min readJun 8, 2023

Do you remember the time without the Internet? It was long ago and, at the same time, recently comparatively to the global historical context. Anyway, the Internet has already reached a 3rd stage of development known as Web 3. Yes, we are witnesses of great evolution.

This article will describe the core ideas of 3 Internet generations. You will find a detailed difference between Web 2 and Web 3.

Why is it important?

The Internet has become an essential part of life, and we can’t underestimate its impact on our routine and even culture. Human’s way of living, earning, and communicating has upgraded with Internet development because of their firm connection. By learning the Web 3 technology and its characteristics, we can predict or at least imagine the future that will come and prepare ourselves and our business for upcoming changes.

A Short Web History Excurs

Let’s make a helicopter view to better understand the whole picture. Note that the timelines are not precise but represent approximate periods.

Web 1 (1990–2005)

The first Internet version Internet, Web 1, was created for corporations and companies, not individuals. To manage Web 1, companies employed computer specialists. Examples of Web 1 are Google, LiveJournal, Yahoo, etc. Web 1 served as a content delivery network that allowed users to see static data on websites without the ability to express their thoughts, opinions, or comments. Despite all the limitations, the first Internet generation opened massive information storage for people.

Web 2 (2006 — present)

The 2nd Internet era is characterized by social networking. In contrast to Web 1, it is much more user-oriented and allows one to collect, generate, and distribute huge amounts of data with just one click. It is widespread, and people worldwide, as well as you, are engaged in Web 2. The most famous examples of Web 2 platforms are Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Web 3 (Present — future)

Web 3, is the latest concept of the Internet that is still developing and slightly adopting into practice. For this reason, we may say that the future is already here. It is characterized by a number of features that transform the way we use and interact with the Internet. The core idea of Web 3 is decentralization, which will ensure absolute user control over their data and eliminate a third party from the stage.

Short Summary for Further Learning

Web 1 provided users with the opportunity to search and get a huge amount of data from the Internet.
Web 2 allowed communication among users over the Internet through centralized platforms.
Web 3 will give users a higher control over produced content.

Let us explain more by a Web 2 vs Web 3 comparison.

Web 2 vs Web 3: Present & Future

It’s time to dive into the details. The difference between Web 2 and Web 3 Internet generations lies in the structure, approach, and possibilities they provide. But first, let’s zoom to last two web generations:

Take into consideration that there is no single universally-accepted definition for Web 2 and Web 3. Because of their evolutionary nature, it is hard to define a clear Web 2 to Web 3 transition point. For this reason, we can see Web 2 features in Web 3 and vice versa.

Web 2 Concept

With the emergence of Web 2, websites and platforms became more interactive and convenient. Such features like forums and social media integration allowed users to be engaged in data creation over the Internet space.

Web-browsers
Web 2 brought significant improvements to web browser operations. Now you can enjoy more interactive and dynamic websites compared to Web 1.
Social media
Web 2 is a generation of social media platforms, such as LinkedIn or Wikipedia, transforming how we communicate and share information online.
E-commerce
Web2 pushed the growth of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and eBay, which connect businesses and consumers to buy and sell goods and services online.

Web 2 Challenges

All data is stored on centralized servers owned by companies. It means that the server owner can decide to erase information at any time due to their policies or interests. For example, you may face deleted or blocked accounts on social networks.

After Web 2 spread, the Internet got to know a lot about users. Site owners or central parties note every registration, search history, and published information. Such valuable data is usually sold to advertising companies, who use it to offer content that interests us. The uncontrolled data flow has a dark side: increased online stalking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and other online crimes.

Web 3 Concept

The 3rd generation of the Internet is also known as a ‘Semantic Web’, an extension of the World Wide Web in which data is structured and XML-tagged based on its meaning or content so that computers can process and integrate the information without human intervention.

Web 3 is characterized by key features and technologies that have the potential to completely change the way we use and interact with the Internet.

Blockchain & decentralization
Web 3 uses decentralized technologies, such as blockchain, which distribute data across a network of nodes. It means Web 3 stores and processes information in a decentralized manner, and no central party controls it. Anyone can become the owner of a node, each of whom has the same rights and opportunities to be involved in data processing and exchange. Thus, the data cannot be owned and managed by one corporation because a copy of the database will be stored simultaneously by millions of users around the world.
Assets digitization
Web 3 replaces traditional values (such as money, stocks, or real estate) with tokens on a blockchain network. Thanks to blockchain technology, all operations with tokens are tracked, and any attempt to tamper will be detected and stopped. For this reason, cryptocurrency plays a crucial role in the 3rd Internet generation and serves as the main value for exchange. Web 3 coins and tokens are widely used for payments and rewards, and many of them are recognized as valuable assets, so they may be easily exchanged for real goods or services.
Security
Web 3 ensures privacy and security by cryptographic encryption that transforms information into code. Thus users have more control over their data and can interact more securely on the Internet.

Smart contracts, as a part of blockchain technologies, allow transactions between two parties without needing a third party. The smart contract mechanism cannot be changed, so it acts as a program, ensuring full automation and accuracy of data exchange.

Web 3 Challenges

Once Web 3 applications enter the blockchain, their code cannot be changed, making it difficult for developers to update the application or fix its bugs.

Web 3 users often face difficulties in usage. Since Web 3 development is still in its early stages, thus users usually need to install additional extensions to use dApps.

Web 2 vs Web 3

As mentioned, Web 3 uses many innovative technologies that transform the Internet experience. By the way, we are mostly still using Web 2. Let’s examine the fundamental differences between Web 2 and Web 3.

Data storage

Web 2 uses centralized servers and systems to store and process information, while Web 3 relies on distributed ledger technologies such as blockchain that ensure a decentralized manner of data storage. In turn, this difference directly impacts data security, transparency, and interoperability.

Ownership

Users’ level of control and ownership over their data differs for each Internet generation. In Web 2, user data is often controlled and owned by centralized entities such as social media platforms or search engines. In contrast, Web 3 users have greater control and ownership over the data and content they produce, as it is stored on the blockchain and can be accessed and managed only by the user.

Currency

Transactions on Web 2 are made in fiat money, such as the US dollar. Web 3, on the other hand, uses encrypted digital currencies (cryptocurrencies) such as ETH or BTC.

Adoption

Web 2 technologies and applications are mature and widely adopted. In contrast, Web 3 platforms are still in their early stages, and as a result, they have limited adoption compared to Web 2 technologies.

Speed

Web 2 transfers are comparatively quicker than Web 3 transfers, as Web 2 scans information that is kept in a fixed place, generally on a single server, using HTTP in unique web addresses. Web 3 processes information around the decentralized nodes, which takes more time.

Conclusion

During Internet development, people have experienced an extension of opportunities and become more engaged in information distribution. What’s next? Innovations are gaining popularity.

In this article, we have discussed the latest stages of Internet development. Web2 is famous for its centralized platforms and social media applications, greatly impacting how we communicate and share information. At the same time, privacy becomes under threat. Web3 is known for decentralization and the use of blockchain technology. Such characteristics bring Web 3 users more data privacy, security, and ownership. Despite all the benefits, it hasn’t got wide adoption yet. Web 2 and Web 3 successfully coexist and keep developing. As modern users, we can benefit from both Internet generation’s advantages.